If Baba has merged into Brahman, does this mean he is no longer present in Shirdi or for his devotees?

The scripture directly addresses this potential doubt, urging devotees not to think that Baba is gone. Chapter 43 strongly asserts that 'Shri Sai is beyond death.' While he merged into Brahman and his unmanifest state, this act did not diminish his presence. In fact, it expanded it. The text states that in his true form, 'he fills the moving and non-moving world.' He continues to keep his devotees 'awake' and provides experiences according to the feeling in their minds. His influence is described as 'proven.' Therefore, merging with Brahman was not a disappearance but a return to his all-pervading true self, from which he continues to protect and guide his followers everywhere, including Shirdi.